A Great Tall Ship Taster exploring the Solent and the Channel on Tenacious

Set sail out into the Solent on tall ship Tenacious for a 6 day voyage exploring the Channel Islands, the French coast or the southern UK coast. Learn the ropes and journey from place to place using just the power of the wind and team effort from all the voyage crew onboard.

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR...

If you are keen to sail on a longer adventure on Tenacious - perhaps Trans Atlantic or Caribbean, or have your eyes on one of our other world wandering vessels like Oosterschelde, Europa, Blue Clipper, Morgenster or Tecla then this will be the great trial run.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Tall ship sailing in the Solent, the south coast or across the English Channel to France.

Learn all about sailing a tall ship and find out if a longer tall ship voyage is for you.

Suitable for all abilities

Sail the largest wooden tall ship to be built in the UK for 100 years.

Able bodied and disabled crew sail side by side.

Climb the rigging

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Setting out across the English Channel, you’ll get a fantastic taster of many aspects of sailing a majestic tall ship: from setting the sails, keeping watch, climbing the rigging and even helming the ship. On our journey, we will hopefully have the opportunity to cross the Channel to experience some of France’s best coastlines, culture and heritage.

Our Captain will put together an exciting voyage that everyone on-board will enjoy, taking into account age, ability and experience of all crew members. Depending on tides wind direction, we will either set course for an Cherbourg, Dieppe or the Channel Islands.

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her.

Needles Bay Isle of Wight

South Coast - The Needles, Portland Bill & dramatic cliffs

The sailing ground between the Solent and the Isle of Wight and West to beautiful Poole Harbour, Portland Bill & Chesil Beach, Lyme Bay, and into the first few West Country Ports like Brixham or Dartmouth offers a wide range of ports where Tenacious will be center of attention. If you need sea room to put all the sails up or enjoy a night sail, then the English Channel has plenty of room with at least 60 miles width between the Solent and the Channel Isles.

Taster Voyage

Living on board over several nights gives you much more of a feeling that you are becoming a tall ship sailor than on a day sail. You have time to learn a bit more about the rigging so you can be in the right place at the right time. If you are a wheelchair user there should be time for the ships crew to hoist you up the mast, with all your new ship mates there to give you support. Likewise, there is more time for assisted mast climbs for those with limited sight or other physical constraints. long weekends or mid week specials

The vast majority of people who have never sailed worry about seasickness, but with 24 hours, even those a bit prone to travel sickness will find their bodies become used to the motion. Unless you commit a bit of time on a boat at sea to find your sea legs, you will never know if sailing is going to be your thing.

Watch-keeping

To keep TENACIOUS manned 24 hours a day, voyage crew are divided into four watches called Forward Port (FP), Forward Starboard (FS), Aft Port (AP) and Aft Starboard (AS). The Mate will explain the watch keeping system and the ship’s routine. Watch keeping means steering, keeping lookout, handling sails etc. under the supervision of your Watch leader and one of the ship’s Permanent Crew. When you are not “on watch” you may be asked to help the watch on deck with setting and trimming sails.

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

Portsmouth is famous for its Naval Dock Yards and historic Ships, HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior.

Gunwharf Quay is usually the place to meet to join larger vessels in Portsmouth. It is within walking distance from the train station and a stones throw from the ferry to Gosport and Haslar Marina.

Portsmouth is a very busy commercial, yachting and naval port, so your vessel berth may change to a different wharf.

How to get here

Portsmouth is accessible by road, rail and of course by sea. It is an international port for ferries to France, Spain and the Channel Islands, as well as offering a regular service to the Isle of Wight. There are also a number of marinas offering berths to visitors and local owners alike.

By Road & Parking

Portsmouth is less than 2 hours from London by road using the A3, and the M27 links the city to the motorway network if you are coming from further afield. There are several car parks to choose from to leave your car whilst you are sailing.

Rail & transfers

There are direct routes to London, Southampton, Reading, Cardiff, Exeter, Brighton and Bristol, and also a route using a bus/rail combination from Gatwick via Woking.

Places to stay, Things to do, Travel companions

Classic Sailing invites to a private facebook group where you can connect with other sailors who have booked with us. If you want to find a travel companion or share ideas on accommodation options before your trip, then posting a request on this is this is a safer option than our public facebook page. (due to data protection laws we cannot pass on contact details for other sailors on your trip directly)

Your travel responsibilities

Passports and Visas***

*** “Classic Sailing cannot cover every possible visa scenario as customers may have dual nationality, or be working or living in a country different from their passport nationality.

To avoid any last-minute stress, we advise you to contact the local embassies of the countries you will be visiting in your country to find out which travel documents you need. Please start early, obtaining a visa can take some time. It is your responsibility to have the right travel documents for all countries you visit during your stay on board.

If you plan to travel onto other destinations please check you have a right to stay in the country too as you may be classed as arriving in a country as ‘yacht sailors in transit’ and not have same rights as a tourist.

Even if you don’t need a visa, please check your passport expiry date is sufficient for country entry requirements.”***

Travel, Health, Vaccinations and Safety

Security for tourists in certain countries, regions or cities can change rapidly. Please check with your own Government Foreign Office for their latest advice for travellers.

Likewise we suggest you check if there are any recommended or required vaccinations well before departure as some take more than one jab. For UK travellers check out ‘Fit for Travel’ http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations

Travel Insurance

It is compulsory that you have travel insurance to sail on any of our voyages, but you do not have to buy the insurance from us. If you purchase your own please make sure it covers sailing as an activity, and racing if you are racing crew. Most our voyages sail further than 3 miles from the shore so check that you will be covered sailing outside territorial waters.

Classic Sailing recommend Topsail Insurance http://www.classic-sailing.co.uk/travel-insurance They have policies designed for sailing crew on yachts or tall ships, whether you want an annual policy or a single trip. These are suitable for UK based sailors but the page also has links to alternative companies and recommended insurance companies for non UK citizens.

Portsmouth is famous for its Naval Dock Yards and historic Ships, HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior.

Gunwharf Quay is usually the place to meet to join larger vessels in Portsmouth. It is within walking distance from the train station and a stones throw from the ferry to Gosport and Haslar Marina.

Portsmouth is a very busy commercial, yachting and naval port, so your vessel berth may change to a different wharf.

How to get here

Portsmouth is accessible by road, rail and of course by sea. It is an international port for ferries to France, Spain and the Channel Islands, as well as offering a regular service to the Isle of Wight. There are also a number of marinas offering berths to visitors and local owners alike.

By Road & Parking

Portsmouth is less than 2 hours from London by road using the A3, and the M27 links the city to the motorway network if you are coming from further afield. There are several car parks to choose from to leave your car whilst you are sailing.

Rail & transfers

There are direct routes to London, Southampton, Reading, Cardiff, Exeter, Brighton and Bristol, and also a route using a bus/rail combination from Gatwick via Woking.

Places to stay, Things to do, Travel companions

Classic Sailing invites to a private facebook group where you can connect with other sailors who have booked with us. If you want to find a travel companion or share ideas on accommodation options before your trip, then posting a request on this is this is a safer option than our public facebook page. (due to data protection laws we cannot pass on contact details for other sailors on your trip directly)

Your travel responsibilities

Passports and Visas***

*** “Classic Sailing cannot cover every possible visa scenario as customers may have dual nationality, or be working or living in a country different from their passport nationality.

To avoid any last-minute stress, we advise you to contact the local embassies of the countries you will be visiting in your country to find out which travel documents you need. Please start early, obtaining a visa can take some time. It is your responsibility to have the right travel documents for all countries you visit during your stay on board.

If you plan to travel onto other destinations please check you have a right to stay in the country too as you may be classed as arriving in a country as ‘yacht sailors in transit’ and not have same rights as a tourist.

Even if you don’t need a visa, please check your passport expiry date is sufficient for country entry requirements.”***

Travel, Health, Vaccinations and Safety

Security for tourists in certain countries, regions or cities can change rapidly. Please check with your own Government Foreign Office for their latest advice for travellers.

Likewise we suggest you check if there are any recommended or required vaccinations well before departure as some take more than one jab. For UK travellers check out ‘Fit for Travel’ http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations

Travel Insurance

It is compulsory that you have travel insurance to sail on any of our voyages, but you do not have to buy the insurance from us. If you purchase your own please make sure it covers sailing as an activity, and racing if you are racing crew. Most our voyages sail further than 3 miles from the shore so check that you will be covered sailing outside territorial waters.

Classic Sailing recommend Topsail Insurance http://www.classic-sailing.co.uk/travel-insurance They have policies designed for sailing crew on yachts or tall ships, whether you want an annual policy or a single trip. These are suitable for UK based sailors but the page also has links to alternative companies and recommended insurance companies for non UK citizens.

Tenacious was the first wooden tall ship in the world to be designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms. Not only does she take a mixed ability crew, many disabled volunteers help in the building of 'Big Woody.' She is the biggest sail training ship in the UK tall ship fleet, and her thorough crew training is a great square rig introduction for beginners. With a repertoire of voyages from Southampton day sails to Southern Ocean roller coaster rides, Tenacious can fit the tall ship dreams of all ages and abilities.

OUR EXPERT VIEW: What Tenacious Does Best

Purpose Designed Ship to Allow All Abilities to Sail

Imagine trying to balance the adventurous spirits of a female soldier who has lost a leg, with a romantic 70 year old who has always wanted to sail a tall ship, but life got in the way. The Tenacious and her smaller sister ship Lord Nelson have taken over 37,000 mixed crews of able bodied and disabled crews on sailing voyages since they were built. The ship's design and the way the social and professional crew who run the ship, means the whole experience is very well thought out and inclusive.

This 65 metre wooden sailing ship has wide decks and lifts between floors for wheelchair users and flush flooring across watertight bulkheads. There is an audio compass, hydraulic assisted ships wheel, bunks with vibrating pads and brail signs for blind sailors, a bowsprit runway so all can enjoy the thrill of seeing dolphins dancing in the bow wave.

Photo by www.tallshipstock.com

Southern Hemisphere Ambassador

When she was launched in 2000, Tenacious was the largest wooden sailing ship to be built in the UK for 100 years, and what is even more remarkable is that disabled and able bodied volunteers helped to build her. Her huge frames are laminated wood and you can nestle between varnished timbers as you read a book in the ships bar.

Following in Lord Nelson's (fondly known as Nellie)successful footsteps, Tenacious has been carrying the message around the world that disabled crews can become square rig sailors. Based in Australia and exploring New Zealand and the South Pacific Tenacious is returning to Europe from New Zealand via Cape Horn, The Falklands, South Georgia, Cape Town and the Caribbean.

Tenacious is visiting the sub antarctic island of South Georgia in 2018

Voyages Giving Hope, Understanding and Inspiration

The Buddy system where an able bodied crew is teamed up with a 'disabled' crew member is only part of the story on Tenacious. It helps cut the ice when you all arrive as strangers, but it is not a 'forced marriage.' Quite often the crew member with the disability has sailed the ship several times and they might be looking after you.

These are great voyages for disabled and able bodied alike. If you are in a rut or confidence crisis after an accident or limiting injury, then signing up to go sailing on a tall ship will take huge courage and will hopefully give you fresh hope and inspiration. Or perhaps you are wishing to spend your holiday entitlement in doing something worthwhile coupled with experiencing a unique adventure yourself, then be prepared to be humbled by other peoples determination.

A bowsprit for everyone - a wheelchair ramp and conventional netting

What to Expect

Sailing Style

The safety of everyone is top priority and so every activity is conducted at a pace comfortable for all. The forces of nature show no compromise and Tenacious is still a powerful square rigger so with main course, upper and lower topsails traditionally rigged so there is still considerable challenge in every voyage. Perhaps going aloft (climbing the rigging is optional) will be the biggest adrenalin buzz or simply the challenge and rewards of being part of a very special floating community.

Full Participation Sail Training Ship

To keep LORD NELSON and TENACIOUS manned 24 hours a day, voyage crew are divided into four watches. The Mate will explain the watch keeping system and the ship’s routine. Watch keeping means steering, keeping lookout, handling sails etc. under the supervision of your Watch leader and one of the ship’s Permanent Crew. When you are not “on watch” you may be asked to help the watch on deck with setting and trimming sails, if it needs more than one watch. There is usually a happy hour to clean the ship each morning. You may be asked to be a 'messman' for a day to help bring food to the saloon tables or help with the galley. It depends a bit on the length of the voyage how often this comes around on a rota. In port and at anchor there is still a duty watch, but generally only 2 people are needed per hour to check the ship is safe.

Life on Board

On Board Tenacious & Lord Nelson they operate a buddy system, which pairs able bodied and physically disabled people together. Everyone is there to help one another and share the experience, so the buddy system works both ways! You’ll get the chance to share skills and life experiences and, as many of our crew have found, make friendships that can last a lifetime. (On the booking form able bodied crew are asked if they are happy to buddy a mildly disabled crew member or a severely disabled crew member.)

Debbie in the Classic Sailing office has been a buddy for young wheelchair users and blind crew, as well as sailed on Tenacious as Watch Leader and Lord Nelson as a deck officer. Lord Nelson and Tenacious are run by a British Charity, Classic Sailing are an independent tall ship specialist so if you are apprehensive about your role on board as a buddy, or want to know if you can join other tall ships with a disability, then do give us a ring on 01872 580022.

GAP Year Challenge or Career Break

If you are taking time out to re appraise your life or do something worthwhile for your fellow humans, then a voyage on Tenacious or Lord Nelson can be both re-affirm your faith in human nature and take you on some interesting paths.

All ages of sailor and newcomer to sailing try a tall ship voyage, but be warned you may be hooked for life. Injured members of the British Armed Forces often have to re build their lives in civillian street and an increasing number of disabled servicemen and women are sailing on Lord Nelson and Tenacious.

If you are aged 16-24 find out more about the ships Youth Leadership @ Sea programme - available on some voyages. There are bursaries available if you can't afford it.

A Lord Nelson voyage is also an accredited Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award residential programme.

The ocean can't tell the differenct between a disabled or able bodied person. Photo by Claire Cheskin in her wheelchair!

The decks on Tenacious are wide and safe.

Tenacious’s Accommodation & Special Facilities

Tenacious has been built with many special facilities to enable physically disabled crew to work alongside their able-bodied shipmates, without taking away the element of challenge.

Below decks Tenacious has two decks, one called the upper and the second called the lower with lifts to take anyone down below.

Upper Deck

On the upper deck there is a large and comfortable messroom where you will all gather to eat, talk and socialise together. There is a large messroom, fully equipped galley, workshop, library and a well-stocked bar. As Tenacious is a very sociable ship and the bar is often a focal point for events in port. Alcoholic drinks are available at sea unless you are on watch or about to go and handle sails or climb the rigging! Only tea or coffee with the occasional cake will be available for those needed on deck.

The large mess room is where your meals will be served and for socialising with your fellow crewmates. Here you can catch up with news, regale stories or just chill out and read a book.

Lower Deck

On the lower deck you will find the sleeping accommodation where there are bunks in the fo’c’sle (area in front of the ship) for the majority of the crew, and eight cabins amidships (middle of the ship) for wheelchair users and their buddies. Bathrooms on board have specifically designed toilets and showers for those with more severe disabilities.

Accommodation below has heating and air conditioning. There are hot showers, points for electric shavers, toothbrushes and hair driers.

Specific built-in features include:

Wide, flat decks with lifts between them.

Fully adjustable helmsman’s seat, which is fitted with a seat belt.

For visually impaired voyage crew Tenacious is fitted with an audio compass, guidance track around most of the upper deck to keep you central and tactile strips at the tops of the companionways (stairs). There are also arrows on the handrails pointing toward the bow (front of the ship)>

Bright track radar screen.

For deaf and hearing impaired berths are fitted with vibrator pads connected to the alarm bells and alarm light circuit and induction loops.

Tenacious below deck

On deck

Tenacious has been designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms. In practical terms this means wide decks and large platforms. The bowsprit has a specially designed walkway so that everyone can enjoy that spell binding moment when the dolphins come to play in the bow wave or if you just want to get that classic shot of a square rigger under full sail.

So that everyone can go ashore for beach barbeque’s and explore remote locations Tenacious has small ships boats with metal floors so that everyone has a stable footing and wheelchairs are secure. In the larger ports the ships gangways can cope with most waterfronts but with the expert crew on board any problems with access with wheelchairs is overcome promptly and smoothly.

Tenacious is a Unique British Design

Tenacious (and her smaller sister ship Lord Nelson) are the only two of their kind in the world that have been designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms. 36 000 people have sailed on the two ships since they were built.

This impressive 65m (213ft) barque with square sails was launched in 2000 and was the largest wooden tall ship to be built in the UK for over 100 years. Her whole build process was amazing as disabled and able bodied volunteers helped to build her, so she is greatly loved by her guest crews and supporters.

With her unique design, wide decks, large platforms aloft, a wheelchair ‘runway’ out on the bowsprit and a whole host of design features enabling everyone to do their bit to sail an impressive 714 ton square rigger with 21 sails.

Tenacious’s only break with tradition are the t’gallant and royal sails which can be furled from the deck with the upper and lower topsails and courses stowed out on the foot ropes.

HANDING SAIL
When, for example, a topsail is handed, the yard is lowered until it is hanging in its lifts, which will then be taut. The clewlines and buntlines haul the sail up to the yard and the sheets, which pull in the opposite direction, must be released. Then to stow the sail it is fastened tightly along the top of the yard by short ropes called gaskets.

SETTING SAIL
To set the sail, the gaskets are cast off, the sail pushed off the yard and all clewlines and buntlines released. The sheets are then hauled, bringing the clews down to the yard below. The halyard is then hauled, raising the yard up on the mast. The yard can also be swung from side to side by means of ropes called braces.

Tenacious Ships Specifications

Tenacious - Meet the Captains

A British Charity runs both Tenacious and Lord Nelson. Their vastly experienced Captains take it in turns to do a stint on either ship. The other professional crew on board are: First Mate, Second Mate, Bosun, Engineer, cook. They are ably assisted by volunteer watch leaders, deckhands, cooks mates, assistant engineers and medical purser.

Captain Barbara Campbell

Captain Barbara is lengendary. Both Adam and Debbie Purser in the Classic Sailing office have sailed many miles with her as watch leaders and voluntary watch officers and she has always encouraged our careers before and after we set up Classic Sailing. A tiny lady with a big personality and a kind heart, Barbera Campbell is also a tough cookie. When I first met her she was the first female tall ship captain I have ever sailed with, and the first to eat healthy stuff like yoghurt, go snorkelling with the guest crew and keep fit ashore by running and mountain walking. This might not sound like a big thing...but running a modern Class A sail training ship does not allow much down time ashore. Barbera has threatened to retire many times but her crews love her, and she could'nt turn down the chance to sail around the world on Nellie or Tenacious.

Captain Chris Phillips

Chris became ships master on Lord Nelson in Jan 2012 after 6 years as first and second mate. He quickly scaled up to the 720 Tenacious as Captain, but still loves to sail Nellie and his own classic yacht. Previously he was a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy for 6 years but has had a long involvement with sail training and working with young people and adults. He would be too modest to admit it but we know he speaks French, Russian, German and a bit of Spanish, so quite a handy Captain in tall ships races. Chris has his own yacht and loves hillwalking, reading and music. He has sailed with both Adam and Debbie from Classic Sailing and we are very pleased he is now Captain.

Captain Chris Phillips aloft

Captain Simon Catterson

Captain Simon Catterson has been with Tenacious since 2012. He has also sails Lord Nelson occasionally. Simon began sailing in the early 80s, in Morgan Giles 43s and a Robert Clark 72’ ketch before joining the RN. Whilst at BRNC, he spent most of his sailing time skippering Contessa 38s in the Channel. On leave, he could often be found in one of the Nic 55s from Joint Services at Gosport as Mate and then Skipper around the UK and northern Europe or in the Canaries. On leaving the RN, he took a year off before joining Arethusa as Master in 1996, sailing in the UK, Canaries, the Baltic and to Bermuda, the US and Canada during Tall Ships 2000. In Tenacious he has been to the Black Sea with the Historical Seas Regatta, the Caribbean for the winter and sailed Tenacious across the Pacific and around Australia.

Captain of Tenacious Simon Catterson

Captain Darren Naggs

Probably the most piratical of the Captains on Lord Nelson and Tenacious, Darren has worked his way up to ships master from bosun. A fierce participant at historical battle re-enactments, he is probably not the person to take on in a sword fight....or a fancy dress competition. Darren has also been Captain of tall ships Soren Larsen, Prince William, Stavros S Niarchos and Pelican of London. His early traditional sailing career was given a boost by Classic Boat Magazine who awarded him a sponsored place on at a professional boat building school.

Tenacious & Lord Nelson Kit List

Included

What is not included

Travel to and from the start and end port
Alcoholic Beverages
Towels - You will need to bring your own towels (including one for swimming if you plan to swim)

What to bring

Please keep personal gear to a minimum as there is very limited stowage space.

Clothing - What to wear
It can be noticeably cooler at sea than on land, especially at night. So come prepared. Also, please bring enough clothing for the duration of the voyage as we are not able to do personal washing for you, except on ocean passage voyages.

On voyages from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, you may require a few
items of warmer clothing at the start.
PASSAGE VOYAGES (e.g.UK-CANARIES, CANARIES-UK, BERMUDA-UK)
These voyages are in the spring and autumn so the weather can be cold.

PLEASE NOTE
Flip-flops are not considered suitable footwear on board ship, though sandals may be appropriate in hot weather.

Paperwork
• Passport (Even voyages with UK departure and arrival ports usually call into at least one foreign port during a voyage)
• Joining Instructions from JST Head Office (please leave a copy with your next of kin)
•Insurance Policy
•Your return air ticket if you are joining or leaving the ship outside the UK. (Antigua will not allow you into the country without an air ticket out or proof of your means of departure. Your joining instructions are your proof.)
•RYA Log book (if you have one)
•Duke of Edinburgh Record Book, if you are taking part at the Gold Award level only.

Medicines - Medical Supplies and aids.
• You must bring enough to last the duration of your voyage and your journey. If you are flying to join the ship we suggest you pack your medicines in your hand baggage – but please check current airport security regulations.
• Earplugs/Eye mask
• If you think your sleep might be disturbed by the noise of the generator engine or lights.
• Spectacles/ Sunglasses with a cord to keep them safe.

Money
• Sterling – to use in the bar for drinks, crisps, chocolate and to buy souvenirs in the shop (including JST clothing etc.)
• UK Voyages usually call into a European port so you will need Euros
•Canary Island Voyages – Euros
•Caribbean Voyages – US$, East Caribbean $ and Euros (many of the
Caribbean Islands are French)
•For countries outside the EU – local currency
•On leaving the Caribbean you may be charged $50EC departure tax
at the airport.
•On board we only accept Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards although
we would prefer cheques (sterling only)
•We DO NOT accept: debit cards, Solo or Maestro on board

DO NOT BRING
• Valuables – we do not have any lockable spaces on board.
• Suitcases or rigid bags – your personal possessions must be brought in soft bags for ease of stowing.

The best bit was setting the sails. The voyage had a good mix of sailing and ashore. I sailed because it was part of my Bucket List. The Captain and crew, the food, accommodation and safety briefing were all excellent. Kenneth C. August 2018

5 stars - I found a ship (Tenacious) on your site that was sailing from Auckland to the Falklands. I jumped at the chance and now can say with a bit of pride that I have sailed around Cape Horn on a square rigger. WOW and THANKS for your site." Classic Sailing Facebook. Mike N.

I was on board the Tenacious with Mates4Mates when it sailed from Brisbane to Sydney. After getting over some seasickness, I had the time of my life. From climbing to the top of the main mast, helping to brace the yards and set the sails, helping stow away the sails, and helping out in the kitchen. It was a mind blowing experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. William H.

Made me think about my life in a hole new light . I came out of hospital after a double fracture to the skull & a bleed on brain , feeling sorry myself when I was helped other people on the ship , people in wheelchairs & other disabilities I give myself a kick up the arse an thought wake up Vinnie you haven't such a bad injury have you?Thank you JST Clan" Vinnie S J

I Recently returned to Florida from a three week voyage on Tenacious, sailing from Panama to Costa Rica. Exceeded all my expectations by a long shot. Fun, hard work, and great food. Beautiful and educational adventures ashore, along with wonderful friendships with a diverse crew. I feel totally rejuvenated. Try it!" Ernest R C

I am wheelchair bound and went on the Tenacious on Saturday. It was absolutely fantastic, to learn the ins and outs of a sailing. All the crew were so helpful and accommodating. Would do it again definitely. " Troy W from Melbourne, Australia

RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 7 DAYS WITHOUT FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

As long as the voyage is not about to start, Classic Sailing can reserve your place for 7 days without payment or financial commitment, whilst you talk to your boss, find a home to look after your dog, or check flight prices.

All Classic Sailing need from you is a completed booking form to start the process: We check availability, approve your booking form, and provisionally reserve a berth. You place is confirmed and booking terms apply, only when you have paid the deposit. We strongly recommend you do not purchase flights or travel tickets until your voyage is fully confirmed.